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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.